LAB-BOX:   Black and White Film Developing

Picture
TIP: Attach the spool clip squarely onto the negative and leave it sitting like this until after you have added the developing liquid.

The best part about using the Lab-Box, for me, is that at no time do I have to handle the film until it has been fully developed.

DEVELOPING times will be different for each film brand, based on the water temperature median of 20C.

I use THE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT CHART to work out the correct developing time for my film.

Then I consult the TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION CHART to determine the appropriate developing time in accordance with the temperature of the liquid on the day.


EXTRA NOTES:  Improving my process

Developing film in my Lab-Box has generally gone well, although there have been a few problems along the way.  Bit by bit I've found ways to overcome them and nowadays each roll develops pretty much perfectly.

One problem I had was in the film occasionally catching itself together at the sides as it wound onto the spool, thus not allowing the developing liquid to flow evenly through the slots of the spool and encasing the negatives. I was getting a few ruined negatives, with black or white blotches, over the frames, where the negatives had caught together.

My solution has been to attach the end of the negative to the spool clip, and not wind it onto the spool until the developer is in the tank. I clip the end of the negative to the spool clip and leave it high as shown in my photo above.  The film itself is still safely encased in the film housing so the light won't get to it. At that point I pour in the developing liquid and then I put the lid on the Lab-Box.

Now I carefully wind the film onto the spool and the developing liquid acts as a lubricant to stop the film from sticking together at any point. The key is to make sure the film is clipped squarely onto the spool winder - it must be absolutely square on. I'm finding this method to be successful and have not had any problems since following it.
➡➡ Click on the first picture and then click through for larger views.............
LAB-BOX BLACK AND WHITE FILM DEVELOPING
 
Firstly consult the correct development times for the particular brand of film you are using. SEE HERE

DEVELOPER & FIX at 20C  - or use appropriate timings for different temperatures - check here


DEVELOPER:         300ml in Lab-Box
                                Minutes according to film chart
                                Turn knob for the entire time
                                Pour Developer back into container if immediately using again, otherwise discard.

WASH:                   300 ml water in three jugs
                               Fill and empty tank three times turning knob/handle for 10 seconds in-between.

FIX:                        300 ml into Lab-Box
                              5 Mins
                              Turn knob for the entire time.
                              Pour Fix back into container and mark off number of times used.


Film is now light safe.
Remove lid from tank.
Remove film spool side section so you are just left with the tub section.
Run cool water over the film for 20 mins.
Pour out water.

If you have another film roll to process  put completed film spool into a separate jug.
Then you can begin processing the next film in the Lab-Box while the water is still washing the first film.

Cover film with water + 2 drops wetting agent (stabiliser).
Turn knob/agitate 30 secs
Leave to sit 30 secs
Pour off.

Attach hook clip to top end of film and other clip to bottom end
Hang up to dry.

🎞 See additional notes on this Blog Page